Research Assistant

University of Leicester; Leicester; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Leicester is seeking a motivated Research Assistant to contribute to innovative research in protein structure-function relationships. This role offers the opportunity to work within a collaborative environment, supporting crucial research that impacts health and disease. Ideal candidates will have a strong foundation in molecular biology and experience with protein expression and purification.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Excellent pension scheme

Generous leave

Opportunities for career development

Supportive environment

Qualifications

• Experience in recombinant protein expression (bacterial, insect, or mammalian systems).
• Experience in protein purification (affinity, ion exchange, size exclusion).
• Strong foundation in molecular biology, biochemistry, or structural biology.

Responsibilities

• Support translational research programmes in protein structure-function.
• Contribute to fundamental science with implications in health and disease.
• Collaborate within a dynamic research group.

Skills

Protein expression

Protein purification

Biophysical characterization

Molecular biology

Biochemistry

Education

Degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, or structural biology

Tools

Protein crystallography

NMR

CryoEM

AKTA FPLC systems

Job description

About the role

We are seeking a talented and highly motivated Research Assistant to support and contribute to translational research programmes, with proven expertise in protein expression, purification, and biophysical characterisation. You will work within a dynamic and collaborative research group investigating protein structure-function relationships, supporting fundamental science with real-world implications in health and disease. This opportunity is based within Dr Gareth Hall’s structural biology research group at the University of Leicester, with extensive interactions with research scientists at the research charity LifeArc.

Additional information:

The Leicester Institute of Structural and Chemical Biology is equipped for all aspects of structural biology, including protein crystallography, NMR, and cryoEM. Facilities include an FEI Titan Krios G3, 600 and 800 MHz Bruker NMR spectrometers with cryoprobes, a Rigaku X-ray diffraction system, robotic systems for crystal screening, computer facilities, and AKTA FPLC systems.

About you

This role is ideal for individuals with a strong foundation in molecular biology, biochemistry, or structural biology, seeking to advance their research experience in an academic environment. Candidates should have experience in recombinant protein expression (bacterial, insect, or mammalian systems) and protein purification (e.g., affinity, ion exchange, size exclusion).

Additional information:

Informal enquiries can be made to Dr Gareth Hall at [e-mail]

Applications for job share will be considered.

This role may also be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members; please discuss this with your line manager prior to applying. More information on secondments can be found here.

The University of Leicester has been changing the world for 100 years. Joining us means becoming part of a community of Citizens of Change, including staff, students, and graduates worldwide.

As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion in all we do, supporting our staff, students, and community through our values of Inspiring, Impactful, and Inclusive.

We are committed to staff wellbeing and environmental sustainability, offering a competitive salary, excellent pension scheme, and generous leave, with opportunities for career development in a supportive environment.

Vacancy terms:

Full-time or job share considered, fixed-term contract until 31 December 2025, with the possibility of extension depending on funding.